Anti-personnel mines: unique armed groups meeting in Geneva

Anti-personnel mines: Unique Armed Groups Meeting in Geneva

Armed groups from more than twenty-two war-torn countries met in Geneva, Switzerland, 31 0ctober – 2 November 2004. Participants evaluated the implementation of their commitment to a total ban on the use of anti-personnel mines. The meeting was organised by the international humanitarian organization, Geneva Call, the Program for the Study of International Organization(s) of the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva and the Armed Groups Project of the University of British Columbia.

Armed groups from more than twenty-two war-torn countries met in Geneva, Switzerland, 31 0ctober – 2 November 2004. Participants evaluated the implementation of their commitment to a total ban on the use of anti-personnel mines. The meeting was organised by the international humanitarian organization, Geneva Call, the Program for the Study of International Organization(s) of the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva and the Armed Groups Project of the University of British Columbia.

Many groups who have signed the Deed of Commitment reported on active steps taken to implement their obligations. A number of challenges were identified such as the need for technical assistance to destroy their stockpile, to de-mine areas under their control and to assist survivors. A consensus emerged that continued cooperation and dialogue would be more effective than the imposition of sanctions in the case of non compliance of their engagement.

Many groups who have signed the Deed of Commitment reported on active steps taken to implement their obligations. A number of challenges were identified such as the need for technical assistance to destroy their stockpile, to de-mine areas under their control and to assist survivors. A consensus emerged that continued cooperation and dialogue would be more effective than the imposition of sanctions in the case of non compliance of their engagement.

As Commander Edward Lino from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army stated “To include the armed groups in the landmine ban is the only way to ensure that the ban on anti-personnel landmines becomes a truly universalised norm amongst both States and armed groups and that civilians are able to live really in a mine free world!”

A full report of the Conference will be available at the end of December 2004 (info@genevacall.org)

Since 2000, Geneva Call, an independent international humanitarian nongovernmental organization (NGO), has dedicated itself to engaging NSAs in adhering to the Antipersonnel mine ban and other humanitarian norms. Geneva Call works in partnership with local NGOs and members of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. The Ottawa Treaty, the major international instrument on landmines, applies only to States. Geneva Call complements the treaty by having NSAs sign a Deed of Commitment to renounce the use and stockpiling of mines.

Elisabeth Reusse-Decrey – President of Geneva Call
(079 411 70 10)

Dr. Daniel Warner – Executive Director, PSIO
(079 459 78 30)

other contacts: info@genevacall.org or www.genevacall.org